Avida redefines affordable living in Metro Cavite

In the past few years, young families have discovered the joys of suburban living in progressive towns Bacoor and Dasmarinas, Cavite. No longer the easy-to-overlook municipalities of that historic province, new access routes and highways have made the area more accessible to the major business districts of Metro Manila.

Within easy distance of the South Luzon Expressway and Alabang via the Daang Hari road, Dasmarinas and Bacoor have become attractive to residents who work, recreate and bring their children to growing urban centers of Muntinlupa and Makati. At the same time, it is a few minutes drive to major malls, hospitals and other educational institutions in Cavite while being accessible to the City of Manila through the Aguinaldo Highway and Manila Coastal Road.

Better yet, Avida, the Ayala Land subsidiary offering affordable homes, has been boosting the area with a range of communities offering unique themes and sets of amenities to suit diverse budgets but all distinguished by peaceful and secure surroundings, 24-hour water and well managed neighborhoods.

The most prominent of these young communities is Avida Residences Sta. Catalina in Molino where some 1000 families are enjoying masterplanned suburban living. Homes in this Avida developed community range from a modest 33 to 91 sqms.

Indicative of the strong demand for its products, Avida is also completing Avida Settings Cavite across the street from Sta. Catalina. The American-themed community is set to welcome its first group of homeowners this month. Offering larger houses ranging from 81- 196 sqms. that appeal to more established executives and professionals, it expects to have a community of over 700 households upon completion.

Meanwhile, the 23-hectare Avida Residences Sta. Cecilia has already welcomed over 100 households to date. Residents have a choice of a home offering floor areas of 50 sqm. or a townhouse unit with a 42 sqm. living space. The community is ideal for couples just beginning to start their families and other early nesters.

In these Avida neighborhoods, security personnel at the gate ensure that only those who are expected have access to the homes inside. "Tahimik sa loob. Walang kumakatok sa pinto na hindi mo kilala," says an Engineer Emer Arguelles who has been residing in Avida Residences Sta. Catalina for two years. The high-pitched drone of motorcycle engines likewise do not disturb the peace since AUVs -- not tricycles -- shuttle residents in and out of the communities.

Marissa Dordas, Cavite resident for over 10 years and principal of St. John Fischer School located inside the commercial center fronting the development's residential phase recalls the pre-Avida days when tall grasses lined the highway leading to the area. "It was scary to pass here late at night." Avida changed all that and today, many of her neighbors hope to own a home in any of its three residential areas. "Avida communities are well managed. Its homeowners actively participate in deciding what is best for each area. We can see how Avida has brought progress here," she says.

Susan Nicdao - Cavite Project Head of Avida, says: "There is a strong demand for well-managed middle class communities in this part of Cavite which we hope to fully satisfy." s/He discloses the company's plans to develop still another major housing project within the area to fill the pressing need for affordable homes in sure and secure communities. These qualities have distinguished Avida projects from that of its competitors. Fortunately, Avida's sure and secure promise holds not only in Cavite but also in Metro Manila, Laguna, Pampanga, and other major urban centers